Where Do Breakthroughs Come From?

Lewis Howes is doing a TV show… he was told “no, not now” from Ellen Degeneres’s team. And six months later told “yes” by Facebook.

The show is called “Inspiring Life with Lewis Howes.” And it’s out now.

“What’s it about?”

He told me the premise: Lewis gets an audience together and an expert. They explore one topic (financial fears, forgiveness, etc.).

Then he integrates the audience. Their stories come to life. And Lewis is the medium between them, their need to express themselves, and the advice from an expert (like Ramit Sethi, Gretchen Rubin, etc.) who can help them move forward.

The show was originally going to be called “Breakthroughs.” Or something like that. But they changed it to “Inspiring Life.”

I was honest.

“Inspiration is kind of a bullshit term, though,” I said. “Does it make you feel like a fraud that you have to inspire people?”

He was quick.

“The show wants to inspire people,” he said.

I asked about the production: 3 cameras, writers, they built a set from scratch in a warehouse.

“Why did you partner with Facebook?” I asked. “Why didn’t you just do it yourself on Facebook Live?”

He explained the strategy (where the eyeballs are and what the stamp of approval from Facebook equals). I’m sure he’s right. And I hope it’s successful.

So I asked him, “What does success look like for the show?”

“Consistency in viewers.”

So, it’s not having a billion views. It’s having the same viewers or growth. Not drop off.

I commend him for taking the challenge. And for not getting knocked down by the first “no,” which was more of a “not right now” from Ellen.

I think that’s sort of Lewis’s superpower. He has a lot of strategies for combating any sort of self-doubt or self-pity. I’ve never heard him complain. And he’s always genuinely present with you.

He started this interview by asking me questions. “What has doing stand-up taught you about human behavior?”

‘OK, and then I’ll interview you” I said.

He laughed. And snuck in a few more questions.

“How does someone become ‘likable?’” “Who’s taught you the most?” he asked.

This is his other superpower. He knows how to take the pressure off of himself. And this is such a valuable skill.

He gave me an example. Here’s the breakdown:

4 Steps to Take the Pressure Off Yourself:

Step 1: Notice when you’re overwhelmed

This is hard. But it’s the only way to change anything. Lewis said, “When I start to feel nervous I just say, ‘Ya know what? I’m gonna take the pressure off of me.’”

Step 2: He switches the focus:

He goes from focussing on himself to “focussing out.” More on this in step 3:

Step 3: Then he gives himself a non-selfish mantra

“I say, ‘I’m here to give. I’m here to give. I’m here to give.’”

“As opposed to, ‘What are people going to think about me? ‘I hope I look good.’ ‘I hope I look funny or smart or as good as the last person who went on stage.’”

He let’s that go.

Step 4: And then he re-focusses (again) on the real mission

“I try to take the spotlight and put it back on the audience,” he said. “That’s what I try to do with this talk show. That’s what I try to do with my podcast, too, is not make it about me. Put it on the expert, put it on the guest, put it on the human interest, put it on the audience. The spotlight might be shining on me, but the goal is to reflect that light on everyone else.”

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If you’re reading this… that means Lewis’s show is live. And if you’re thinking, “I want a TV show,” then you should be next. Take the Choose Yourself path. Grab your phone and a livestream.

Create your own breakthrough.